Unlocking Creativity & Overcoming Creative Blocks

“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse

Even with all the courage in the world, every creative will eventually run into a creative block, so we asked some of our favorite creatives to share how they overcome creative blocks.

Jen Hirsh

As cliché as it sounds, stepping away from the subject – in my case, my art, was the best thing I ever did to overcome a creativity block. Another artist friend of mine, Marina, gave me this advice when I was in a rut.  Read more>>

Lola

Creativity manifests through inspiration and life experiences. I went through a spell of writer’s block. Think about something that you have been through, good or bad. Find something or someone that inspires you, and creativity will flow. Some of the best songs that I have written came from life experiences. Read more>>

Artemis Fraine

Every creative hits a brick wall at some point in their journey. It’s inevitable. And just like all those who came before me, I’ve dealt with my fair share of writer’s and artist’s block over the years. It can be extremely difficult to break out of when you’re feeling like you’ll never create anything worthwhile again. Read more>>

Janessa Bookout

I spent years studying fine art, graduating with a BFA in 2004. I have managed my own career as an artist and worked just about every kind of day job along the way. Then I spent even more years learning about business and running my own small businesses in brick and mortar retail settings, custom fabrication shops and online websites. Read more>>

Daulton Reppert

To put it mildly, writers block is purely just mental block. We all get tired, we all burn out, we definitely all get a little sick of our own work. So it’s only natural for us to hit these walls where we just can’t pump any more out.  Read more>>

Rebekah Brumfield

When facing creativity blocks, I often take a break to do something unrelated, like going for a drive, taking a nap, or listening to music. Sometimes I’ll try brainstorming to friends without judgment to get ideas flowing again. Additionally, seeking inspiration from other sources like music, movies, or food can help reignite my creativity. Read more>>

Kim Syverson

When I get creative blocks, I take a break from it. I usually do something I enjoy, such as reading, walk a trail/go hiking, working out at the gym, or hang out with friends and family. Sometimes, it’s even a trip or vacation! Read more>>

Jolene Botzau

Overcoming creativity blocks is essential for maintaining productivity and staying inspired. Here’s how I’ve tackled such challenges: 1. Change of Environment: A change of scenery can work wonders! Stepping out of my craft room, my usual workspace, and finding a new environment at a local coffee shop, at a park, or even just a different room, can help stimulate new ideas and creativity. Read more>>

Brenda Elizabeth

I had been trying for years to create a Tarot deck, I thought I would have to hire an artist as I never considered myself to be artistic. I created my first Lenormand deck during the pandemic. Lenormand is a form of cartomancy, a divination system that uses cards.  Read more>>

Bri Butler

When facing a creative block, I find that stepping away from the project and giving my mind a break is key. I like to switch gears by listening to music, completing other tasks on my to-do list, or scrolling through Pinterest for some inspiration.  Read more>>

Kimberly McAfee

This is a subject I am very passionate about! The first thing I do when I have writer’s block is to take a break. It doesn’t have to be a long one. Sometimes, just being away from a project for a bit allows the answers to pop into my mind! A warm shower, or a good night’s sleep can be just the medicine needed to “cure” any writer’s block. Read more>>

Sasha Haydn

Most of the time I resent how much I overthink. I send myself spiraling overthinking and overemoting and overanalyzing etc. etc. It leaves me overwhelmed. However, those same conflicts are also where I get my momentum and they are what opens me up and helps me emerge from creative blocks. Read more>>

Scott Peterson

Oh, it has definitely happened to me and to almost every writer I know. It’s time to write episode 84 of a long-running series and you’re completely out of ideas. You have a personal project that you’ve been wanting to write for years, but your notes are gathering dust on the shelf. Read more>>

Mike Thompson

I’ve frequently struggled with writers block, especially when I first started out. But, I’ve found a pretty effective way to mitigate it significantly. The more frequently and consistently I write, the less I encounter writers block.  Read more>>

Sean Tiller

I go back to where I started. I don’t force the new technique, new style, I go back to my grass roots and build up momentum and remind myself what worked. Along the way I make different mistakes, which reminds me that all my techniques are just past mistakes just made at the right time in the right place. Read more>>

Darkhorse DA GOD

Taking time away from your art and living life is definitely key. Having a good work-life balance is paramount to success in any field. I’ve been fortunate enough to learn patience and persistence from all of the curve balls I’ve been thrown.  Read more>>

Nick Yeste

One word. Maestro. In all seriousness, this question is what actually led us to develop our product. To expound a little more though, I have struggled a lot with writers block over all the years I have been making a living from my creativity. Read more>>

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